About the job

Summary

As an apprentice economist, you will be joining a community of over 2000 economists across more than 30 organisations across the Civil Service.

The range of opportunities open to you through the GES-DAP programme is huge – working in government departments responsible for things like business, energy, justice, education and the environment.

That means you will have the opportunity to have an impact in improving the areas that really matter to the world you live in – working on issues like:

•how government can support small businesses to grow

•how government can support UK businesses to compete in a changing world

•how government can support people to kick-start their lives after time in prison

•how government can act to protect the environment

…that is to say, in government, great economics and great economists are contributing to the very biggest decisions that the country faces. They help senior leaders make the biggest decisions better – providing them with the analysis and advice they need to get the big calls right.

Please see the attached candidate pack for more information or visit our GES-DAP website https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/the-government-economic-service-degree-level-apprenticeship

Job description

As an apprentice economist, you will be studying for a degree in economics and putting your economic learning to direct use in the workplace by influencing high profile public policies with the best possible economic analysis. This is an exciting time to be joining the Civil Service, and with continuous support you will prepare vital briefings for ministers or the public, provide advice on policy options, and ensure the quality and appropriate use of economic statistics.

Economics is the study of allocating limited resources between unlimited wants. The Government Economic Service provides rigorous, relevant and impactful economic analysis to inform government decisions made on everything, for example, negotiating new trade deals, supporting regional growth or managing the UK’s debt.

A GES apprenticeship will take the form of four years undertaking the Level 6 Professional Economist standard, including a BSc Economics Degree and working in a team of economists and other analysts, supported by a manager and a buddy.

As part of your degree, your teaching will be a mixture of online and face-to-face teaching with a residential week each year at the University of Kent in Canterbury. Please note that due to COVID-19 restrictions your teaching may mainly be online, and your residential week may also be carried out online. Successful applicants will be notified in due course of how this year’s scheme will operate.

The BSc Economics Degree will be comprised of:

• Microeconomics; how individuals and firms make decisions, interaction of supply and demand

• Macroeconomics; how the economy works at a national and international level

• Econometrics; the use of data to test theories and evaluate changes in government policies

Working as a member of the GES involves the development and use of:

• Quantitative skills: manipulating and presenting data

• Writing and presentation techniques: communicating economics clearly and succinctly to senior officials and ministers

• Applied economics skills: using economic insights and techniques to inform decisions on anything from the environment to transport.

Successful completion of the End Point Assessment will guarantee you permanent employment in the GES.

Responsibilities

Eligibility

• Resided in the UK for at least the previous 3 years before the start of the apprenticeship.

• Individuals will also need to demonstrate that they meet the relevant immigration requirements and their eligibility under the Civil Service Nationality Rules (CSNRs). Please see below Nationality Requirements for more information.

Desired skills

• Well organised, able to prioritise and work to deadlines

• Able to understand and explain complex information verbally and in writing

• Able to use IT, including Microsoft Office including Excel, Office and Outlook

• Able to solve problems, establishing issues and advantages and disadvantages of different options

• Able to work independently and as part of a team working towards a common goal

• Able to think critically and question things

Personal qualities

• Understanding of what a degree in economics entails, commitment to completing the apprenticeship over 4 years

• Interest in government and current affairs

• Keen to learn and develop

• Not required but flexible to travel within the UK

If successful you must hold, or be willing to obtain, security clearance to CTC/SC/DV level. More information about the vetting process can be found at the following link https://www.gov.uk/guidance/security-vetting-and-clearance

Qualifications

• Minimum of five GCSE (including Maths at grade B (6) or above and English Language at C (4) or above) or equivalent;

• Minimum of 96 UCAS points under the 2017 tariff point system (e.g. CCC at A Level or equivalent qualification, not including General Studies)

(or expected to achieve by August 2022)

Behaviours

We'll assess you against these behaviours during the selection process:

• Communicating and Influencing
• Making Effective Decisions
• Delivering at Pace
• Working Together